Laser ionization therapy assembly

ABSTRACT

A laser ionization therapy assembly having a reservoir defined by a peripheral wall and a base; a support device having a support coupling member and a support opening; and a laser module accommodating a laser diode, the laser module having an opening and a laser module coupling member, wherein the support device is fixedly attached to the peripheral wall of the reservoir and the laser module is detachably coupled thereto, wherein the laser diode is positioned at an angle relative to the base of the reservoir so that laser light is directed through the openings of the laser module and support device to a predetermined location within the reservoir at a height of between ½ inch to 1 inch above the base, and wherein the laser light has a wavelength of between about 630 and 640 nm and a peak power of about 10 mW.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a laser ionization therapy assembly.More particularly, the assembly supports a laser module that is used toconduct laser ionization therapy. The assembly includes a supportmechanism that is coupled to the laser module and attached to areservoir, such that the laser module is hands free during a laserionization therapy session. The support mechanism is configured suchthat laser light emitted from the laser module is directed to apredetermined location within the reservoir.

Discussion of the Related Art

The benefits of using cold laser therapy in the area of chiropractic,osteopathic, naturopathic, and acupuncture therapy in reducing pain andswelling, promoting healing processes, treating old injuries, etc., arewell-known. Cold laser therapy uses a low intensity beam of laser lightthat is capable of stimulating natural healing processes at a cellularlevel. This has proven effective in the area of chiropractic therapy inreducing pain and swelling, promoting healing processes, in treating oldinjuries, etc.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,913,616 and 7,458,983, which are incorporated byreference herein, discuss electronic systems for laser ionizationtherapy for detoxification. The systems discussed in those patents use acold laser unit that requires either a handheld laser probe fordirecting laser light to a particular area of a user's body, orphysically arranging the cold laser unit so that it is positioned todirect laser light to a particular area of the user's body. In the caseof the handheld laser probe configuration, an operator other than theuser being treated is required to hold the laser probe. In the case ofphysically positioning the cold laser unit so that the laser light willbe directed to a particular area of the user's body, this procedure istime consuming and inexact, and often takes several trials and errorsbefore the cold laser unit is properly positioned.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a laserionization therapy assembly and method capable of improving a user'shealth, such as by efficiently removing toxins from a user's body,whereby a laser module is attached to a reservoir at a predeterminedlocation of the reservoir and configured to emit light though thereservoir to irradiate a predetermined area of the user's body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a laser ionization therapy system andmethod that substantially obviates one or more problems due tolimitations and disadvantages of the related art.

To achieve these advantages, the laser ionization therapy system mayinclude a laser module attached to a reservoir at a predeterminedlocation of the reservoir, wherein the laser module includes laserdiodes positioned therein such that laser light is emitted through thereservoir to a predetermined area inside the reservoir or predeterminedmeridian point of a user's body.

In one aspect of the invention, a laser module may be coupled to asupport mechanism and attached to a peripheral wall of the reservoir.The support mechanism is configured such that the laser module can bepositioned either substantially parallel with the peripheral wall of thereservoir, or at an angle relative to the peripheral wall so that lightcan be directed at a particular meridian point of the user's body.

According to another aspect of the invention, a laser module may becoupled to a support mechanism that is attached to a peripheral wall ofthe reservoir, whereby the laser module is configured such that laserdiodes inside the laser module are attached at an angle relative to thebase of the reservoir, such as, approximately 15 degrees, and emit laserlight inside the reservoir at a height of between ½ to 1 inch above thebase floor of the reservoir.

According to another aspect of the invention, the laser moduleaccommodates two laser diodes, wherein a first laser diode has a peakpower of about 10 mW and a second laser diode has a peak power of about5 mW.

According to another aspect of the invention, the laser moduleaccommodates two laser diodes, wherein a first laser diode emits laserlight that is directed to a left foot of a user and a second laser diodeemits laser light that is directed to a right foot of the user, whereinthe laser light emitted from the first and second laser diodes isdirected to predetermined locations inside the reservoir at heights ofabout ½ inch to 1-inch above the base.

According to another aspect of the invention, a base floor of thereservoir is formed with at least one protrusion, wherein the protrusionis positioned to provide a pressure point on the sole of a person's footso that pressure is applied to the Kidney meridian.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the reservoir isconfigured such that a disposable liner can line an inside surface ofthe reservoir and be removably attached from the reservoir, wherein theliner can be disposed and a new liner inserted for each person, therebyreducing the spread of bacteria from one user to the next.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the inventions as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principle of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustration showing a block diagram of a laser ionizationtherapy system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing a front view of a laser moduleassembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a rear view of the laser moduleassembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an illustration showing an exploded isometric view of thelaser module assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an illustration showing a sectional view of the laser moduleassembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an illustration showing a wiring diagram for the laser moduleassembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an illustration showing a front isometric view of a supportmechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an illustration showing a back isometric view of the supportmechanism shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an illustration showing a laser module coupled with a supportmechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10(A) is an illustration showing an isometric view of a reservoiraccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10(B) is an illustration showing a sectional view of the reservoirshown in FIG. 10(A);

FIG. 11 is an illustration showing an isometric view of a lineraccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is an illustration showing an isometric view of a laserionization therapy assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is an illustration showing a sectional view of the laserionization therapy assembly shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an illustration showing a close up side view of the laserionization therapy assembly shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an illustration showing an exploded view of a laserionization therapy assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is an illustration showing a side view of a reservoir accordingto another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is an illustration showing a top view of the reservoir shown inFIG. 16(A);

FIG. 18 is an illustration showing a laser module assembly according toanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 is an illustration showing a sectional view of the laser moduleassembly shown in FIG. 17(A).

FIG. 20 is an illustration showing a front view of a laser ionizationtherapy assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is an illustration showing a side view of the laser ionizationtherapy assembly shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a chart for laser light therapy and pressure points for aperson's foot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawing figures which form a part hereof, and which show byway of illustration specific embodiments of the invention. It is to beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in this technological field thatother embodiments may be utilized, and structural, electrical, as wellas procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similarparts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a laser-ionization therapy assembly 100 according toan embodiment of the invention. As shown, the laser-ionization therapyassembly 100 comprises an ion generating unit 200, a laser module 300, areservoir 400, and a support mechanism 500.

The ion generating unit 200 comprises a power supply 210 and anelectrode array 220 coupled to the power supply 210. The electrode array220 may be comprised of replaceable electrodes mounted within a housing224. The electrodes may comprise an anode 226 and a cathode 228. Thepower supply 210 is capable of delivering a low voltage direct currentto the electrode array 220 and may further comprise a display screen 230capable of displaying the voltage and amperage of a treatment powerapplied from the power supply 210 to the electrode array 220. Thedisplay screen 230 may be capable of displaying other information, suchas an amount of time elapsed during treatment of a user. The powersupply 210 may be programmed with multiple ionization treatment options,some of which may be pre-programmed and others may be custom designedfor each user.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the electrode array 220 maybe placed in the reservoir 400 and immersed in water contained therein.The reservoir 400 may be made of a transparent material, electricallyinsulative, and capable of holding water (e.g., plastic, glass, etc.).The reservoir 400 is not limited to any particular size, shape, ormaterial.

In one aspect of the invention, the water may be provided as normal tapwater. In another aspect of the invention, a predetermined amount (e.g.,a half cup) mineral salts and/or a predetermined amount (e.g., about 1psp) of liquid materials may be mixed with the water 412 to enhance theelectrical conductivity characteristics of the water 412. In one aspectof the invention, the liquid materials may include magnesium with 50types of trace materials.

In one aspect of the invention, a first ionization treatment option mayresult in the generation of only positive ions within a predeterminedtreatment time (e.g., about 30 minutes). A second ionization treatmentoption may result in the generation of only negative ions within thepredetermined treatment time. A third ionization treatment option mayresult in the generation of a mix of positive and negative ions (e.g.,70% are positive and 30% are negative). A fourth ionization treatmentoption may result in the generation of positive ions for about 15minutes, then negative ions for about 10 minutes, and finally positiveions for about 5 minutes. A fifth ionization treatment option may resultin the generation of negative ions for about 15 minutes, then positiveions for about 10 minutes, and finally negative ions for about 5minutes.

FIGS. 2-6 show an embodiment of the laser module 300. The laser module300 may be programmable or non-programmable. It is understood that thelaser module 300 is not limited to the particular embodiment shown.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are illustrations showing a front view and a back view ofthe laser module 300, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, the laser module300 comprises a housing 310. The housing 310 can be made of any suitablematerial, and is preferably injection molded of a rubber or plasticmaterial. The housing 310 may be a unitary structure, or a multi-piecestructure that allows access to the inside of the housing 310.

The laser module 300 shown is generally T-shaped. In this manner, thesubstantially vertical portion 350 of the housing 310 may function as ahandle for the laser module 300, and the substantially horizontalportion 360 may house laser diodes 330, 335, and related components.

The housing 310 shown is a two piece structure comprising a front piece312 and a rear piece 314. The pieces 312 and 314 may be attachedtogether by screws 322(a), 322 (b), 322(c), and 322(d). For example, therear piece 312 may include through holes 320(a), 320(b), 320(c), and320(d) formed in a rear surface 316(b) thereof, and the front piece 314may include corresponding inserts 324(a), 324(b), 324(c), and 324(d)formed at an inner wall 380 thereof. Accordingly, the screws 322(a), 322(b), 322(c), and 322(d) may be inserted through the holes 320(a),320(b), 320(c), and 320(d) and into the inserts 324(a), 324(b), 324(c),and 324(d) thereby securing the front piece 312 and rear piece 314together. It is understood that the pieces 312 and 314 may be affixed toeach other by any known attachment method, including, for example, by asnap fit configuration, adhesive, etc.

The housing 310 includes at least one opening 318(a), 318(b), or window,formed on a front surface 316(a) of the laser module 300 through whichlaser light must emit. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a leftopening 318(a) and a right opening 318(b) formed on the front surface316(a) of the laser module. The opening(s) are not limited to anyparticular shape or size. However, the opening(s) must be large enoughto allow for the laser light to pass through the housing 310. The lasermodule 300 may also include one or more mirrors to direct and/or focusthe laser light generated by the laser diodes (not shown).

The laser module 300 may further include a lens material 319(a), 319(b)provided at each opening 318(a), 318(b), respectively. The lens material319(a), 319(b) focuses the laser light emitted from laser diodes 330,335. In particular, the lens material 319(a), 319(b) respectivelycollimate laser light emitted from laser diodes 330, 335, so that thelaser light is aligned in a specific direction.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the laser module 300 according to anembodiment of the invention. As shown, the laser module 300 houses laserdiodes 330 and 335. The laser diodes may, for example, include AIXIZLaser Module AH635-5-3-12, which is a 635 nm, 5 mW laser diode. There isno limit to the number of diodes that can be housed within the housing310. For example, the housing 310 may include a single diode, or severaldiodes. Accordingly, each diode inside the housing 310 may emit lighttowards a different predetermined location.

The laser module 300 may include laser diode support structures 382(a),382(b) that are attached or formed with an inner wall 380 of the housing310. The laser diode support structures 382(a), 382(b) are configured toposition and receive the laser diodes 330 and 335. The laser diodesupport structures 382(a), 382(b) may be angled such that laser lightfrom the laser diodes 330 and 335 is directed through the openings318(a), 318(b) of the laser module to a predetermined location. Thelaser diodes 330 and 335 may be secured or attached to the laser diodesupport structures 382(a), 382(b) by an adhesive, such as two way tape,or mechanical means. It is understood that the laser diodes 330 and 335may be attached to the housing by other means.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the laser module 300 shown in FIG. 4. Asshown, the laser diode support structure 382(a) is attached to or formedwith an inner wall 380 of the housing 310. The laser diode supportstructure 382(a) may be provided at an angle relative to a bottom innersurface 390 of the housing 310. For example, as shown, the laser diodesupport structure 382(a) may be angled at approximately 15 degreesrelative to the bottom inner surface 390 so that the laser diode 330attached thereto may emit laser light to a predetermined location withinthe reservoir 400.

FIG. 6 is a wiring diagram for an embodiment of the laser module 300. Asshown, the laser module 300 comprises a left laser diode 330 and a rightlaser diode 335. The lasers diodes 330 and 335 generate substantiallycoherent light (e.g., laser light). The laser diodes 330 and 335 areaffixed and positioned inside of the housing 310 such that substantiallyall of the laser light generated by the laser diodes 330 and 335 exitsthe laser module 300 through openings 318(a) and 318(b).

In one embodiment of the invention, the laser module 300 generates lightat a wavelength of between about 630 and 640 nm and at a power of about10 mW or less, preferably about 5 mW or less. In another embodiment ofthe invention, light generated by the laser module 300 has a wavelengthof substantially about 635 nm. In one aspect of the invention, thegenerated light may be directed toward a person's body as asubstantially continuous beam of light or a pulsed beam having apredetermined frequency. In one aspect of the invention, pulsing of thelight toward the user may alleviate pain and increase circulation withinthe body, stimulate glands, etc. In another aspect of the invention, thefrequency at which light directed toward the user is pulsed may bedetermined based on results of a second muscle testing procedure and thelocation of the user's body where the light is to be directed.

The laser module 300 may include an on/off switch 370. The on/off switch370 is preferably located at the top surface 316(e) of the housing 310,but may be located anywhere on the laser module 300. The on/off switch370 may be a toggle switch, such as Cherry KRE2ANA1BBD. However, theinvention is not limited to any particular type of switch for theactuation of electrical supply to the laser module 300. For example, arocker type switch, toggle switch, push button switch, or the like maybe used.

The laser module 300 may be powered by AC power such that it does notoperate on battery power. For example, the laser module 300 may includea power plug electrical connector 340 for removably connecting the lasermodule 300 to an AC power supply.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are illustrations showing a front view and a rear view ofa support mechanism 500, respectively, according to an embodiment of theinvention. The support mechanism 500 is provided to support and/orposition the laser module 300 with the reservoir 400 so that the laserlight emitted from the laser module 300 can be directed to apredetermined location within the reservoir 400. The support mechanism500 may be formed from a 3000-Series Aluminum Alloy Sheet. However, itis understood that the support mechanism 500 can be made of any suitablematerial, such as metal or plastic, and is not limited to any particulargeometric shape.

As shown, the support mechanism 500 includes a front surface 510(a) anda rear surface 510(b). The front surface 510(a) is the surface that isproximate a peripheral sidewall of the reservoir 400 when the supportmechanism is attached to the reservoir. The rear surface 510(b) is thesurface of the support mechanism 500 that is proximate to the housing310 when the laser module is attached to the support mechanism 500. Thesupport mechanism 500 includes a top end 512 and a bottom end 514. Thetop and bottom ends 512 and 514 are located at opposite ends of thesupport mechanism 500. The support mechanism 500 may extend along amajor axis of the laser module 300 (see, e.g., FIGS. 14 and 15) when thelaser module 300 is attached thereto.

Preferably, the support mechanism 500 is shaped such that planar portion516 of the support mechanism 500 is substantially parallel with thehousing 310 and does not extend outside of the profile of the housing310. For example, the planar portion 516 has a flare shape and generallyfollows the shape of the laser module 300.

As shown, the bottom end 514 of the support mechanism 500 may beconfigured to hold a bottom portion 324 of the laser module 300. Inparticular, the bottom end 514 may form a receiving portion to receiveand secure the bottom portion 324 of the laser module 300. The bottomend 514 may comprise a substantially U-shaped flange having a bottomsurface 514(a) and a coupling member 514(b), such as a hook.

The aforementioned top end 512 of the support mechanism 500 may beconfigured to hold an upper portion 326 of the laser module 300. Theupper portion 326 is not limited to any particular area of the lasermodule, but instead refers to a portion of the laser module 300 that isabove the bottom portion 324 with respect to the major axis of the lasermodule 300. As shown, the upper portion 326 may include a firstprojection 512(a) and a second projection 512(b). The first projection512(a) may extend from a left side of the support mechanism 500, and thesecond projection 512(b) may extend from a right side of the supportmechanism 500. The first and second projections 512(a) and 512(b) eachinclude an outwardly extending coupling member 518(a) and 518(b),respectively. The coupling members 518(a) and 518(b) may be flanges.

The support mechanism 500 may include window or opening 520. The opening520 is dimensioned to receive laser light emitted from the laser module300. More particularly, the opening 520 is dimensioned and positioned toreceive light emitted through openings 318(a), 318(b) of the lasermodule 300 when the laser module 300 is coupled with the supportmechanism 500. For example, the opening 520 may be a single,substantially oval shaped opening that is aligned and dimensioned sothat laser light emitted from the laser module 300 can be transmittedthere through and directed to a predetermined location, e.g.,approximately % inch to 1 inch above an interior base of the reservoir400 so that the laser light will contact a person's large toe. Theopening 520 is not limited to any particular size or shape.

FIG. 9 shows the support mechanism 500 coupled with the laser module 300according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, when the lasermodule 300 is coupled with the support mechanism 500, the planer portion516 of the support mechanism 500 is proximate to and substantiallyparallel with the laser module 300. The first projection 512(a) and thesecond projection 512(b) are detachably coupled with right and leftsides of the laser module 300, respectively. In particular, couplingmembers 518(a), 518(b) are inserted in and detachably coupled withcoupling grooves 325(a), 325(b) that are formed at side surfaces 316(c),316(d) of the laser module 300, respectively. The coupling grooves325(a), 325(b) may extend in a substantially vertical direction alongthe side surfaces 316(c), 316(d). It is understood that the couplingmembers 518(a) and 518(b) may be secured to the laser module 300 byother mechanical means, such as tension or adhesion.

The bottom surface 514(a) of the support mechanism 500 extends below thelaser module 300. The coupling member 514(b) of the support mechanism500 is inserted in and detachably coupled with a coupling groove 325(c)formed at the bottom surface 316(f) of the laser module 300 (see, e.g.,FIG. 14). The coupling groove 325(c) may extend substantially across thebottom surface 316(f). It is understood that the coupling member 514(b)may be secured to the laser module 300 by other mechanical means, suchas tension or adhesion.

FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B) are illustrations of a reservoir 400 according toan embodiment of the invention. As shown, the reservoir 400 includes acavity defined by a peripheral wall 410 and a base floor 420. Theperipheral sidewall 410 may be substantially perpendicular to the basefloor 420, or angled. For example, the peripheral sidewall may flare outapproximately 15 degrees from bottom to top.

The reservoir 400 may be made of a material or have a configuration thatallows laser light to pass through. The reservoir 400 may be madeentirely or partly of a transparent material, such as, for example aclear plastic material. Additionally, the reservoir 400 may include atransparent portion adjacent to the opening 520 in the support mechanism500 when the support mechanism is attached to the reservoir 400.

The reservoir 400 may further include a top rim 430. The top rim 430 mayextend outward from an exterior surface of the peripheral wall 410. Thetop rim 430 may include a cut out portion 432. The cut out portion 432may be positioned to receive a portion of the laser module 300. The cutout portion 432 may also function as an alignment means for the bracketstructure 500. The on/off switch 370 of the laser module 300 may bepositioned at least partially within the cut out portion 420.Additionally, the top rim 430 may extend outward from the peripheralwall 410 at least as far as the front surface 316(a) of the laser module300.

As shown in FIG. 10(B), the reservoir 400 may include at least one bump440 or protrusion formed on the base floor 420 to perform acupuncturetherapy. Preferably, as shown, the base floor 420 includes a pluralityof bumps 440. The bumps 440 may be integrally formed with the reservoir,or provided on a separate material that may be set on the base floor 420of the reservoir 400, e.g., a floor mat. The bumps 440 are shaped andpositioned to function as pressure points on the bottom of a person'sfoot for foot acupuncture therapy.

Preferably, the bumps 440 are positioned to press against the Kidney 1acupuncture point on the bottom of a person's foot. Kidney 1 is thelowest acupuncture point on the entire body and an entry point into thekidney meridian. As shown in FIG. 22, which is a chart for laser lighttherapy and pressure points for a person's foot, the Kidney 1acupuncture point is located on the sole of a person's foot, in thedepression when the foot is in plantar flexion, approximately at theanterior third and the posterior two-thirds of the line from the webbetween the second and third toes to the back of the heel. The Kidney 1,known as “Gushing Spring” is known to drain excess energy from an upperpart of the body, especially the head. In other words, when there isexcess energy in the upper part of the body, it can cause symptoms suchas anxiety, headaches, insomnia, and panic attacks. Because Kidney 1 hassuch a strong downward moving action, acupuncture therapy on the Kidney1 point is known to quickly remove these symptoms.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a liner 600 according to an embodiment ofthe invention. The reservoir 400 may be configured to receive theremovable liner 600. The liner may affixed to the upper rim portion 430to secure it in place. The liner 600 may be a sanitary plastic linerthat is removable and disposable. The liner 600 is preferably sized andconfigured to fit into the inside of the reservoir 400 and substantiallyconform to the peripheral wall 410 and interior base 420, and made of amaterial that is liquid impermeable and permits laser light to passthrough. For example, the liner 600 may be formed of a translucentplastic thermoformed type material having a thickness that is less than0.001 inch.

The liner 600 may be placed inside the reservoir 400 and then filledwith a liquid material for use by a single person. After such use, theliner and its contents may be discarded and a new liner 600 placed inthe reservoir 400 for a subsequent user. Thus, any risk of crosscontamination is substantially reduced.

FIGS. 12-15 are illustrations of the laser ionization therapy assembly100 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 is an isometricview of the assembly 100. As shown, the laser module 300 is coupled withsupport mechanism 500 and the support mechanism 500 is attached to aperipheral sidewall 410 of the reservoir 410. The support mechanism 500is preferably attached at a center portion of the peripheral sidewall.This configuration allows laser light emitted from the laser module 300to be directed to a predetermined location inside of the reservoir 400.Accordingly, the configuration provides for a generally hands freeoperation of the laser module 300 during a laser ionization therapysession.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the assembly shown in FIG. 12. As shown,the support mechanism is attached flush with the peripheral sidewall410. The laser diodes 330, 335 are fixedly angled with respect theperipheral sidewall 410 such that laser light is emitted to apredetermined location within the reservoir 400. The support mechanism500 may be attached to a substantially planar portion of an exteriorsurface of the peripheral wall 410. Preferably, the support mechanism500 is attached to the peripheral sidewall 410 at a height such that thelaser diodes 330, 335 are positioned approximately 1.5 inches to 2inches above the base floor 420. For example, the laser diodes 330, 335may be positioned approximately 1.7 inches above the base floor 420.

The support mechanism 500 may be attached to the reservoir 400 by anysuitable means, e.g., adhesive material, tape, glue, Velcro, mechanicalclips, etc. According to one aspect of the invention, a double sidedbonding tape is used to attach the back surface 510(b) of the supportmechanism 500 to the peripheral wall 410. According to anotherembodiment of the invention, the support mechanism 500 may be clasped toa top rim 430 of the reservoir 400. The support mechanism 500 may alsobe permanently attached to the reservoir. Alternatively, the supportmechanism 500 may be integrally formed as part of the reservoir 400 suchthat the reservoir 400 and support mechanism 500 comprise a unitarystructure.

Accordingly, when the support mechanism 500 is attached to the reservoir400 and coupled to the laser module 300, the laser diodes 330 and 335are positioned so that the laser light can be emitted to a predeterminedlocation within the reservoir 400. For example, the left laser diode 330may be configured to emit laser light towards a large toe on a person'sleft foot within the reservoir 400, and the right laser diode 335 may beconfigured to emit laser light toward a large toe on the person's rightfoot within the reservoir 400.

FIG. 14 is a close up view of the laser ionization therapy assembly 100shown in FIG. 12. As shown, the laser module 300 is coupled with thesupport mechanism 500, and the support mechanism is attached to aperipheral sidewall 410 of the reservoir 400. The top rim 430 of thereservoir 400 is formed with a cut out portion 432. The cut out portion432 is preferably formed in the top rim 430 at a center of thecorresponding the peripheral sidewall. The on/off switch 370 of thelaser module 300 may be positioned at least partially within the cut outportion 420.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the laser ionization therapy assembly 100shown in FIG. 12. As shown, the laser module 300 is detatachably coupledwith a support mechanism 500. The support mechanism 500 is attached to aperipheral sidewall 410 of the reservoir 400. The support mechanism 500may be aligned with respect to a cut out 432 that may be formed in thetop rim 430. The reservoir 400 may be configured to receive a liner 600.The liner 600 may be shaped to substantially conform with an interior ofthe reservoir 400.

FIGS. 16-19 show a laser ionization therapy assembly 1000 according toanother embodiment of the invention.

For example, FIGS. 16 and 17 show a side and top view of a reservoir4000, respectively. The reservoir 4000 includes a peripheral sidewall4100 that flares out at approximately a 15 degree angle from a basefloor 4200. The reservoir 4000 includes a cut out portion 4320 toreceive a portion of the laser module 3000 that is formed at a center ofthe top rim 4300. The reservoir 4000 may be formed from a clear plasticmaterial that is approximately 0.250″ thick.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show a rear view and a sectional view of a laser module3000. As shown, the laser module 3000 includes a laser diode supportstructure 3820(a) that is angled at approximately 15 degrees relative toa bottom inner surface 3900 of the laser module 3000. Accordingly, whena laser diode 3300 is attached to the laser diode support structure3820(a), the laser diode 3300 may emit laser light to a predeterminedlocation within the reservoir 4000, e.g., approximately ½ inch to 1 inchabove a base floor 4200 of the reservoir 4000. The laser module 3000includes an opening 3180(a) formed therein that is positioned tocorrespond with the laser diode 3300. For example, the opening 3180(a)may be positioned approximately 1.2 inches above a bottom exteriorsurface of the laser module 3000. The laser module 300 generates lightat a wavelength of between about 630 and 640 nm, preferably about 635nm, and at a power of about 10 mW or less, preferably about 5 mW orless.

FIG. 20 shows the laser module 3000 and support mechanism 5000 coupledtogether, and the support mechanism 5000 attached to the peripheralsidewall 4100 of the reservoir 4000. As shown, the support mechanism5000 is attached at substantially a center point of the distance acrossthe peripheral sidewall 4100. A portion of the support mechanism extendsthrough the cut out portion 4320. FIG. 21 is a side view of theconfiguration shown in FIG. 20. As shown, the laser module 3000 isattached to the reservoir (via the support mechanism 5000) such that abottom exterior surface of the laser module is ½ inch above a base floor4200 of the reservoir 4000. Accordingly, the laser diode 3500 ispositioned approximately 1.7 inches above a base floor 4200 of thereservoir, and angled at approximately 15 degrees with respect to theperipheral sidewall 4100, such that the laser light can be directed tothe predetermined location within the reservoir that is about ½ inch to1-inch above the base floor 4200. This configuration provides for agenerally hands free operation of the laser module 3000 during a laserionization therapy session.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variation can be made in the present invention withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it isintended that the present invention cover the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A laser ionization therapy assembly, comprising: areservoir configured to hold water, the reservoir defined by aperipheral wall and a base; and a laser module detachably coupled withthe peripheral wall of the reservoir, the laser module having a firstlaser diode disposed therein which emits laser light having a wavelengththat is greater than or equal to 630 nm and less than or equal to 640 nmand has a peak power that is 10 mW or less, the laser module arranged sothat the laser light is directed inside the reservoir at a height ofless than or equal to 1 inch above the base.
 16. The assembly of claim15, wherein the first laser diode is angled at 15 degrees relative tothe peripheral wall.
 17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein thewavelength of the laser light emitted from the first laser diode is 635nm or less and the peak power is 5 mW or less.
 18. The assembly of claim16, wherein the laser module is positioned such that the first laserdiode is positioned between 1.5 and 2.0 inches above the base.
 19. Theassembly of claim 15, further comprising a second laser diode, whereinthe first laser diode is configured to emit laser light that is directedto a left foot of a user, wherein the second laser diode is configuredto emit laser light that is directed to a right foot of the user,wherein the laser light emitted from the second laser diode is directedinside the reservoir at a height of between ½ inch to 1-inch above thebase.
 20. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising an ion generatingunit that includes an electrode array in the reservoir, wherein the iongenerating unit alternately produces positive ions and negative ions.21. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the base of the reservoir includesa protrusion positioned to press against the Kidney 1 acupuncture pointlocated on a bottom of a user's foot.
 22. The assembly of claim 15,further comprising a liner that is sized to fit inside the reservoir andsubstantially conform to the peripheral wall and base, wherein the lineris made from a translucent plastic thermoformed type material.
 23. Theassembly of claim 15, wherein the laser module is powered by alternatingcurrent.
 24. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the laser light emittedfrom the first laser diode has a peak power of 10 mW or less and thelaser light emitted from the second laser diode has a peak power of 5 mWor less.
 25. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the laser modulecomprises a second laser diode, wherein the peak power of the firstlaser diode is 10 mW or less and the peak power of the second laserdiode is 5 mW or less.
 26. The assembly of claim 15, further comprisinga support device to support the laser module when the laser module iscoupled to the reservoir.
 27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein thesupport device is integrally formed with the peripheral wall of thereservoir.
 28. The assembly of claim 26, wherein the support device isattached to the peripheral wall of the reservoir.
 29. The assembly ofclaim 15, wherein the laser light is directed inside the reservoir at aheight of between ½ inch to 1 inch above the base.